During his four-year career as an attackman at Hobart, Tom Gravante fueled the school’s run to four consecutive NCAA Division III championships between 1985 and 1988 and was inducted into the university’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

On Saturday, Gravante will do his best to beat his alma mater.

When the Statesmen (2-6 overall and 1-1 in the Northeast Conference) visit Emmitsburg on Saturday, they will tangle with league foe Mount St. Mary’s, which is coached by Gravante. The Mountaineers suffered their ninth consecutive loss Tuesday, 15-8, to Robert Morris, setting up the first all-time meeting between Gravante and Hobart.

“I hadn’t thought about that,” he said. “I’ve been down here 22 seasons and have watched them have several head coaching changes. It’s a great day to have them actually here because honestly, I never thought that would happen. I figured I could probably get on their schedule and go up there, but I’m glad that the conference had them come to us first. I’ve seen emails already from the alumni, and they’re coming. So it’s going to hopefully be a good one.”

Gravante has fond memories of his time with the Statesmen, which includes setting NCAA tournament records for goals in a single game (seven) and a single postseason (17). But he said he won’t have any conflicted feelings about trying to get Mount St. Mary’s its first win against Hobart.

“They still grab me for a donation, and I’m down here at Mount St. Mary’s,” he said with a laugh. “So if they don’t care, I don’t care. It’s a game. This is what I do for my profession, and I’d like to say that I bleed that Mount St. Mary’s blue after being here 22 years. I would have no mercy if this team allows me – on them or anyone else. But they’ll still get my donation.”